On this episode: Nate shares an article about how smart phones keep us addicted to novelty, validation, and stimulation. This week, Nate and Aaron talk to Michael Long. Michael is an author, lecturer, physicist, play/screen/speech writer, and former comedian. He discusses the meaning of and the good and bad of dopamine. He shares how porn, serial dating, and the over usage of technology are all dopamine grabs. Comparing dopamine to gasoline, both can be good and bad. Michael shares that there is hope and that living beyond one’s self is key. He shares several exercises to help us tame dopamine and use it effectively for a full life. Also, Michael will show up at your book club meeting, listen to find out how!Contact:Taming The MoleculeBooks:Taming the Molecule of More: A Step-by-Step Guide to Make Dopamine Work for You, by: Michael E. LongTHe Molecule Of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity - And Will Determine The Fate of the Human Race, by: Daniel Z Lieberman MD, Michael E. Long, et al.Sept. 12-14, 2025 Austrian RetreatNov 7-9, 2025 Santa Fe, NM Samson SummitNov 7-9, 2025 The Wild & Sacred Journey, Womens RetreatIf you have thoughts or questions and you’d like the guys to address in upcoming episodes or suggestions for future guests, please drop a note to piratemonkpodcast@gmail.com.The music on this podcast is contributed by members of the Samson Society.For more information on this ministry, please visit samsonsociety.com. Support for the women in our lives who have been impacted by our choices is available at sarahsociety.com.The Pirate Monk Podcast is provided by Samson Society, a ministry of Samson House, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. To enjoy future Pirate Monk podcasts, please consider a contribution to Samson House.   Tamingthemolecule Home | TamingTheMolecule The follow-up book to The Molecule of More, Taming the Molecule of More shows you how to improve your life--problems with dating, long-term relationships, career dissatisfaction, doomscrolling, online shopping, online gaming--with practical steps to find real happiness and greater meaning.   Samson House Store Samson European Retreat: RAV 47 — Samson House Store September 12-14, 2025 • Mellow Mountain Hostel • Ehrwald, Austria 38 hours + 5 meals + 3 Samson meetings + 1 mountain ascent = 47 lives changed forever.   Samson House Store 2025 Samson Summit — Samson House Store Join us for an unforgettable weekend to explore your story, deepen your relationships, and live out your story as fully as God intended. When: November 7-9, 2025 Where: Camp Glorieta , a 2,400-acre campus located about 15 miles southeast of Santa Fe, New Mexico lodging options are available.